University of San Diego The University of San Diego, founded in 1949, is a private Catholic university overlooking Mission Bay. The 180-acre campus offers comprehensive programs through seven schools, with particular strengths in business, law, and engineering. USD maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and is classified as an R2 research university. Campus landmarks include the Immaculata Church and the state-of-the-art Knauss Center for Business Education. The university's athletic teams, the Toreros, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the West Coast Conference.
USD takes pride in its Catholic intellectual tradition and commitment to social justice. The curriculum emphasizes ethical reasoning, global perspectives, and community engagement across disciplines. Campus life includes over 180 student organizations and extensive service-learning opportunities. Recent additions include the newly renovated Copley Library and the Sports Performance Center. USD's combination of academic excellence, beautiful campus setting, and San Diego location creates a transformative educational experience rooted in Catholic values.
University of San Diego Acceptance Rate
University of San Diego (USD) is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 46.75%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of San Diego Admission Requirements
USD GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at USD is 3.95. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.65 and 3.95, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
USD GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at USD utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.95, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.95 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.75 – 3.94 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.55 – 3.74 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.54 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At USD, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of San Diego (USD) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
USD Profile
Name: University of San Diego (USD)
City: San Diego
URL: www.sandiego.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 92110-2492
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from USD Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of San Diego is USD: 74879. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of San Diego is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
19.35% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 32.72 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to USD and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of San Diego, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist USD as your choice in the form.
How much a USD Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 86522. An average USD graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemistry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions About University of San Diego Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $86522 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $74879 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of San Diego is 46.75 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.95. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.65, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.65, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.65 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.55 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of San Diego if my GPA is below 3.55
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.95, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of San Diego.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.